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The Philippines are the second largest archipelago in the world with more than 7,000 islands. Most islands are small and uninhabited, but the larger islands feature mountains, volcanoes and lowlands. The country's largest island, Luzon, has several hiking areas, and other islands attract hikers. Trails vary from beginner to expert, and many can be completed in a day -- overnight backpacking trips are also popular. Because of possible political unrest, travelers to the Philippines should review U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) warnings and recommendations prior to travel.

Central Luzon

One of the Philippines most popular hikes takes visitors to Mount Pinatubo, and the trailhead is less than a four-hour drive from Manila. The easy hike reaches the summit in two hours where a beautiful lake-filled crater greets visitors. The volcano last erupted in 1991, reducing the elevation by almost 1,000 feet as it sent boulders the size of cars down its sides. Another nearby hike requires a trek up Mount Anawangin and then down to a white sand beach at Anawangin Cove. Hikers often camp at the secluded beach after the five-hour hike. Hikers may see a carabao, a Philippine water buffalo, along the way, and should give it wide berth. Famous for the "death march" during World War II, the Bataan Peninsula offers hiking trails including a two-day hike to Mount Natib. Other trails pass markers memorializing World War II events.

Cordilleras

Watching the sun rise and set highlights an overnight hike to the Cordilleras, a region in northern Luzon. The Cordillera Mountains are the largest range in the Philippines. Several trails take visitors to mountain summits, from day hikes to multiple day excursions. One of the most popular hikes focuses on history, traversing pine forests, small villages, farms and the famous rice terraces, sometimes called the "eighth wonder of the world." Backpackers visit Sagada, a small town high in the mountains that has an underground cave and waterfall. Locals welcome visitors.

Vasayas

Farther south, a group of large islands called the Vasayas sit in the central Philippines. Although the mountains are not as high as those on Luzon, and the trails are less developed, the area offers scenic hiking options. A popular hike takes visitors to one of the Philippines most active volcanoes, Mount Kanla-on on Negros Island. The hike to the summit requires stamina, an overnight stay and a guide, since the trails are not well-marked, and in some places, non-existent. The caldera has active sulfuric gas vents. This volcano last erupted in 1996. For the less adventurous, hikes along the lower slopes reveal vegetation, scenery and wildlife. On Cebu Island, an easier hike to the top of Osmena Peak takes two hours. Hikers often stay overnight and visit a waterfall that lies beyond the summit. Other Vasayas islands feature short hikes to mountain waterfalls, as well as three to four day hikes to mountain summits.

Other Hiking Destinations

The perfect cone-shaped Mayon Volcano sits in the southeast Luzon Bicol Mountain region and is the Philippines most active volcano. Three days are required for this difficult trip. Nearby Mount Isarog features many waterfalls and hikers may choose from two intermediate-level trails to the top. In southern Philippines, Mindano features four of the top 10 highest mountains in the country. Guides should accompany hikers in this remote area where the scenery includes mossy forests. Hikes to Mount Hibok-Hibok's summit can be accomplished in one day.

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About the Author

Jeff Fulton is a writer specializing in business, travel and culture. He has worked in international sales, customer relations and public relations for major airlines, and has written for Demand Studios since May 2009. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Northwestern University and a Master of Business Administration in marketing from the University of Chicago.

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